Israel has rejected a warning from global food security experts that parts of northern Gaza are on the brink of famine. The independent Famine Review Committee said there was a strong likelihood of imminent famine in the area, prompting calls for immediate action to ease a catastrophic situation.
However, Israel disputed the report, stating it relied on “partial, biased data and superficial sources with vested interests.” The country has increased aid efforts, including opening an additional crossing, but critics argue that this is not enough to meet the needs of civilians in Gaza.
The US State Department expressed concern over the limited amount of aid reaching Gaza and urged Israel to do more to facilitate aid entry and delivery. Washington also called on Hamas to release hostages being held by the group and not interfere with humanitarian efforts.
Since the start of the war in October 2023, nearly 40,000 trucks carrying over 840,000 tons of food have entered Gaza. Despite this, meetings are still taking place daily with the UN to distribute aid. A US deadline is looming for Israel to improve the humanitarian situation or face potential restrictions on military cooperation.
The US has emphasized its commitment to finding solutions to ramp up aid delivery and alleviate the suffering of civilians in Gaza. However, the situation remains dire, and further action is needed to address the growing food shortage.
Source: https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israeli-rejects-biased-warning-famine-gaza-2024-11-09